Understanding good places to meet : the role of ‘common interest infrastructures’ in promoting social cohesion in superdiverse societies

Kerlaff, Leyla and Käkelä, Emmaleena (2024) Understanding good places to meet : the role of ‘common interest infrastructures’ in promoting social cohesion in superdiverse societies. Social and Cultural Infrastructure for People and Policy: Discussion Papers . The British Academy.

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Abstract

Social connections are central in addressing cross-cutting policy challenges around spatial inequalities, refugee integration and community cohesion in superdiverse societies. This paper draws out lessons that have emerged from the authors’ research on the characteristics of places that facilitate social interaction and feelings of belonging in diverse communities. The connections between residents, including people from a migrant or refugee background, are often based on shared interests and not exclusively on shared characteristics. In reflecting “common interest infrastructures” or, more simply “good places to meet”, this paper evidences the value of multifunctional, inclusive spaces such as churches, community centres and third sector hubs in offering opportunities for community connection, reciprocal care and resilience building. The paper offers critical reflections on the impact of contradictory policy narratives around community cohesion, migrant integration and place-based interventions. It proposes future directions for policymaking and local planning to tackle socio-economic deprivation as a driver of mistrust and social fragmentation. The authors argue for the sustainably funded, community-led social infrastructure in anchoring people both to new localities and their changing communities.

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